Project Description:
An understanding of the tectonic development of Antarctica requires characterization of the seismic structure beneath the Transantarctic Mountains (TAMs) and the Wilkes Subglacial Basin (WSB). Current constraints on the crustal thickness and seismic velocity structure beneath the TAMs and the WSB are limited, leading to uncertainties over competing geodynamic models. To broaden the investigation of this region, a new 15-station seismic deployment, the Transantarctic Mountains Northern Network (TAMNNET), is being installed across the northern TAMs and the WSB. The study will address four fundamental questions: (1) How variable is the crustal structure beneath the TAMs? (2) Is the WSB characterized by thin crust and thick sedimentary layers? (3) How do seismic velocities vary along strike beneath the TAMs? And (4) How did the TAMs and the WSB originate and how does their formation relate to the geologic history of Antarctica? Data from TAMNNET will be combined with that from other previous and ongoing seismic initiatives and will be analyzed using proven modeling techniques to generate an unprecedented image of the seismic structure beneath the TAMs and the WSB.

Field Season Overview:
During this, the second year of the five-year TAMNNET project, researchers will service and collect data from previously-installed polar seismic equipment from IRIS-PASSCAL at 15 locations across the northern Transantarctic Mountains and the East Antarctic plateau. Research sites will be accessed by Twin Otter aircraft. The Italian and Korean Antarctic programs may also provide some logistical support.

Deploying Team Members:

Brian DuBay

Jordan Graw

Samantha Hansen (PI)

Lindsey Kenyon

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